Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B. San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide.

For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, SF Hep B Free will launch "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide. The ad campaign was produced pro bono by DAE Advertising, a leading Asian American advertising agency based in San Francisco. These advertisements are the first major market health campaign in the country to feature more than 60 people from the Bay Area's Asian American community. This million dollar ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. TV commercials were also produced and will receive wide exposure on Comcast cable, broadcast and Asian television stations.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B, known in the health community as a "silent killer." Her experience propelled her to work with San Francisco Hep B Free, and since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma has authored groundbreaking legislation in California for residents to get screened and vaccinated. She is working on health care policy reform and a bill calling for preventative care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.

"Which One Deserves to Die?" print ads and PSAs at can be viewed at: http://hepbads2010.blogspot.com/

SAN FRANCISCO -- (U.S. ASIAN WIRE) -- Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B. San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide.

For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, SF Hep B Free will launch "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide. The ad campaign was produced pro bono by DAE Advertising, a leading Asian American advertising agency based in San Francisco. These advertisements are the first major market health campaign in the country to feature more than 60 people from the Bay Area's Asian American community. This million dollar ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. TV commercials were also produced and will be shown on cable, broadcast and Asian television.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B, known in the health community as a "silent killer." Her experience propelled her to work with San Francisco Hep B Free, and since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma has authored groundbreaking legislation in California for residents to get screened and vaccinated. She is working on health care policy reform and a bill calling for preventative care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.

* Approximately 350 to 400 million people worldwide have hepatitis B, and many do not know they are infected. Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America.

* There are more than 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in United States each year, with the greatest incidence among adults between ages 19-49 years old.

* Hepatitis B is one of the leading health disparities between Asians and non-Hispanic whites.

* Among the Asian population the predominant mode of transmission is from infected mother to child during the birthing process. Hepatitis B can also be spread through unprotected sex and shared needles.

* There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection from hepatitis B.

About San Francisco Hep B Free:

San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign's goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more info, please go to www.sfhepbfree.org

Come root for the San Francisco Giants and support SF Hep B Free, a citywide effort to screen and vaccinate all Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B.

A portion of ticket sales from three of the Giants’ Asian Heritage Night games in May at AT&T Park will benefit SF Hep B Free. To order online, go to http://purchasetickets.com.

• Korean Heritage Night, Wednesday, May 12, at 7:15 p.m.

Fans will be entertained with Korean cultural performances on the field prior to the game against the San Diego Padres, and all special event ticket holders will be seated in the same section to create a community feel at the park. Additionally, each ticket package includes a commemorative Korean-themed Giants T-shirt that is only available through this ticket offer. Come out and represent the strong connection between Korean culture and baseball at this great event.

• Japanese Heritage Night, Friday, May 14, at 7:15 p.m.

Japanese culture has always resonated strongly with both the city of San Francisco and the sport of baseball, so what better way to celebrate than at a Giants game? The Japanese Heritage Night sake tasting festival returns for Year 2, with a brand new piece for your Giants sake set collection: a Giants-themed individual sake glass and masu (wooden box). This special-edition item is included in the price of your ticket, along with entrance to the pre-game festival with complimentary tastes, and a seat in the special Japanese Heritage section at the game. Cultural performers will entertain fans at the festival and on the field pre-game, and ticket proceeds will benefit local Japanese American charities. The sake-tasting festival ends when the game against the Houston Astros starts, so get there early.

Prior to this game, there will be a special home plate ceremony with Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), and other members of the campaign.

• Chinese Heritage Night, Tuesday, May 25, at 7:15 p.m.

Join the Giants on Chinese Heritage Night for the first in a planned series of events celebrating the Chinese zodiac. Along with a ticket to the game, a seat in the Chinese Heritage section, and pre-game cultural entertainment, all special event ticket holders will receive a collector's edition Giants-themed "Year of the Tiger" figurine. Ticket proceeds will also benefit local Chinese American charities, so don't miss your opportunity to celebrate the Bay Area's rich Chinese heritage and support a good cause.

Hep B Screening

One in 10 people in the API community is diagnosed with hepatitis B, which causes 80 percent of all liver cancer. Get tested for free at the sixth annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration.

Screenings will be provided on site by California Pacific Medical Center, so make sure you, your friends and family know where you stand with hep B. Look for the testing site near McAllister and Larkin streets. For more information, go to SFHepBFree.org.

The AHSC will be held Saturday, May 15, in San Francisco's Civic Center in front of the Asian Art Museum, leading up to the Little Saigon District, on Larkin Street from Grove to Ellis streets. The street fair is the largest gathering of Asian Pacific Americans in the nation and this year it will be bigger than ever, featuring Asian American artists, DJs, arts and crafts, diverse food, martial arts, a Muay Thai kickboxing ring, J-cars, and more.

New features this year include a mah jong section, Filipino American jazz, a balut eating challenge and wine area.

Be sure to also check out the Subaru Hep B Mobile, which will be located near the screening site. Festival-goers are welcome to take pictures with the car.

Subaru of America is the official vehicle and partner of the SF Hep B Free campaign. For the rest of the year, the automaker is donating the use of a 2010 Subaru Legacy detailed with full color artwork promoting the campaign theme, which calls on everyone to "B a Hero" in preventing liver cancer and hepatitis B.

San Francisco - April 28, 2010 – Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B. San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide.

For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, SF Hep B Free will launch "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide. The ad campaign was produced pro bono by DAE Advertising, a leading Asian American advertising agency based in San Francisco. These advertisements are the first major market health campaign in the country to feature more than 60 people from the Bay Area’s Asian American community. This million dollar ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. TV commercials were also produced and will be shown on cable, broadcast and Asian television.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B, known in the health community as a "silent killer." Her experience propelled her to work with San Francisco Hep B Free, and since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma has authored groundbreaking legislation in California for residents to get screened and vaccinated. She is working on health care policy reform and a bill calling for preventative care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.

Hepatitis B Disease Background(source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Approximately 350 to 400 million people worldwide have hepatitis B, and many do not know they are infected. Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America.

There are more than 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in United States each year, with the greatest incidence among adults between ages 19-49 years old.

Hepatitis B is one of the leading health disparities between Asians and non-Hispanic whites.

Among the Asian population the predominant mode of transmission is from infected mother to child during the birthing process. Hepatitis B can also be spread through unprotected sex and shared needles.

There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection from hepatitis B.

About San Francisco Hep B Free:

San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more info, please go to www.sfhepbfree.org.

Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B. San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide.

For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, SF Hep B Free will launch "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B, known in the health community as a "silent killer." Her experience propelled her to work with San Francisco Hep B Free, and since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma has authored groundbreaking legislation in California for residents to get screened and vaccinated. She is working on health care policy reform and a bill calling for preventative care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.

•Approximately 350 to 400 million people worldwide have hepatitis B, and many do not know they are infected. Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America.•There are more than 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in United States each year, with the greatest incidence among adults between ages 19-49 years old.•Hepatitis B is one of the leading health disparities between Asians and non-Hispanic whites.•Among the Asian population the predominant mode of transmission is from infected mother to child during the birthing process. Hepatitis B can also be spread through unprotected sex and shared needles.•There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection from hepatitis B.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Come root for the San Francisco Giants and support SF Hep B Free - a citywide effort to screen and vaccinate all Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B. A portion of ticket sales from three of the Giants May Asian heritage night games will benefit SF Hep B Free!

SF Giants Korean Heritage NightWednesday, 5/12 vs. SD at 7:15pm

Fans will be entertained with Korean cultural performances on the field prior to the game, and all special event ticket holders will be seated in the same section to create a community feel at the Park. Additionally, each ticket package includes a commemorative Korean-themed Giants t-shirt that is only available through this ticket offer. Come out and represent the strong connection between Korean culture and baseball at this great event!

Japanese culture has always resonated strongly with both the city of San Francisco and the sport of baseball, so what better way to celebrate than at a Giants game? The Japanese Heritage Night sake tasting festival returns for year two, with a brand new piece for your Giants' sake set collection: a Giants-themed individual sake glass and masu (wooden box). This special-edition item is included in the price of your ticket, along with entrance to the pre-game festival with complimentary tastes, and a seat in the special Japanese Heritage section at the game. Cultural performers will entertain fans at the festival and on the field pre-game, and ticket proceeds will benefit local Japanese charities. The sake-tasting festival ends when the game starts, so get there early!

Prior to this game, there will be a special home plate ceremony with Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and other members of the campaign. Come out and show your support for Hep B awareness on Friday May 14!

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, former Giants outfielder Dave Roberts, and Dr. Sam So, of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford at a 2008 game.

SF Giants Chinese Heritage NightTuesday, 5/25vs. WAS at 7:15pm

Join the Giants on Chinese Heritage Night for the first in a planned series of events celebrating the Chinese Zodiac! Along with a ticket to the game, seat in the Chinese Heritage section, and pre-game cultural entertainment, all special event ticket holders will receive a collector's edition Giants-themed "Year of the Tiger" figurine. Ticket proceeds will also benefit local Chinese charities, so don't miss your opportunity to celebrate the Bay Area's rich Chinese heritage and support a good cause!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

New Federal Data Confirms San Francisco Has Highest Rate of Liver Cancer in the Country

1 in 10 Asian Americans Is Infected By Hepatitis B, The Leading Cause of Liver Cancer

San Francisco Hep B Free Launches New Provocative Ad Campaign

WHAT:Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. The city is a gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B. San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of more than 50 private and public organizations working together to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B-free city nationwide.

For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, SF Hep B Free will launch "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative new ad campaign designed by DAE Advertising featuring more than 60 people from the Bay Area's Asian American community in print ads and public service announcements. This campaign alerts the Asian American community that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population.

Hear how community leaders, medical professionals, and public officials plan to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B-free city in the nation, and be one of the first to see the unveiling of San Francisco Hep B Free's new, provocative "Which One Deserves to Die?" ad campaign.

VISUALS:Interviews with San Francisco Hep B Free spokespersons, elected officials, physicians, images and commercials from the new ad campaign by DAE Advertising, community members that participated in the San Francisco Hep B Free new Ad Campaign, and community and healthcare leaders.

MEDIA RSVP:Bonnie Kwong (415) 321-5893 orbonniekwong_niwapr@yahoo.com

###

About San Francisco Hep B Free:

San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign's goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more info, please go towww.sfhepbfree.org

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

APIs are diagnosed with Hepatitis B at alarming rates, showing it’s never too early to prevent disease.

For some Asian Pacific Islanders, it might be surprising to find out the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among the API population in the United States. With approximately five to fifteen percent of Asian immigrants diagnosed with HBV (compared to .05 percent for Caucasians), the disease has impacted the API community in multiple ways, the most severe being liver cancer for those chronically infected.

There are several ways people can become infected with HBV. The primary method of transmission is through contact with contaminated blood, such as from mother to infant during childbirth. HBV can be transmitted by blood transfusions, sharing needles for injections, and unprotected sex. It can also be contracted from using toothbrushes or razors that have come into contact with infected blood, or through infected medical/dental tools. HBV cannot be spread by coughing, hugging, sneezing, shaking hands, breast feeding, or sharing utensils or drinking glasses.

APIs are particularly at risk for HBV infection. According to Dr. Chia Wang, of the Benaroya Research Institute of Virginia Mason, the prevalence of HBV in APIs can be attributed to a lack of awareness in Asian countries. Asians in their mother countries are not conscious of the need to vaccinate to prevent infection. As a result, the disease carries over to API immigrant populations in the U.S., where more than half the total infected population are APIs.

The lives of infected APIs dramatically change after becoming diagnosed with HBV. Yoon Huh, a Korean American who contracted HBV at age 34, recalls that by the time he was diagnosed, his illness had reached the point of becoming life-threatening. As a result, Huh significantly altered his life to accommodate his disease.

Huh said, “I had to become more conscious of what I ate, choosing natural over artificial foods. I also had to stop drinking alcohol.” Because of these changes, Huh has been nearly symptom free for more than fifteen years. He attributes his success to healthful eating habits and reduced stress levels resulting from lifestyle modifications and regular exercise.

Huh’s case is not unusual for many APIs suffering from HBV. Without appropriate management and screening, approximately one-fourth of those infected by HBV will die from liver cancer or cirrhosis. Because half of infected individuals exhibit little or no symptoms for a long period of time, the disease has the possibility of remaining undetected until it is too late. When symptoms eventually do show up, the illness has most likely reached a later stage of development, culminating in severe damage to the liver and even cancer.

There is hope, however, for APIs who educate themselves about HBV. To prevent infection, doctors advise people to get tested for HBV. It is important to get tested before getting vaccinated because the vaccine will not work if a person already has chronic HBV.

Dr. Wang reiterates, “The most important thing is to get tested. Sometimes doctors don’t know there is a prevalence of HBV in API populations. It’s good for us to become our own advocates.” Currently there are two tests for HBV: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibody (anti-HBs). Asking one’s doctor for both of these tests can prevent possible infection. If one’s tests are negative, the next step is to get vaccinated. People who should receive the vaccine are the following: infants and unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 0-18 years, people with multiple sexual partners, injecting drug users, and travelers to regions of widespread HBV infection.

Because of the prevalence of Asian immigrants living here in Seattle, the city is particularly at risk for high rates of HBV. Individuals such as Dr. Wang and Dr. Kris Kowdley are learning ways to treat the disease and educate the public about vaccination. They are joining in a nationwide effort known as Hepatitis B Clinical Research Network that supports research on HBV.

There are numerous ways to get involved in raising awareness of HBV. Perhaps the best way to participate in HBV awareness is to educate oneself and family. Joining organizations such as the Jade Ribbon Campaign and San Francisco Hep B Free will also teach the public ways to prevent further infection in the API population. Organizations such as these promote greater consciousness of HBV and help to increase vaccinations in the API community.

On a global scale, HBV affects about 350 to 400 million people. Approximately one million people worldwide die every year from HBV. Especially in the API community, it is necessary to become informed about HBV and the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent further infections. Starting with one’s family and branching out into the community will not only increase awareness of the disease on the local level but also help bring about change in the worldwide effort to eradicate this disease.

For those infected with HBV wishing to participate in the Hepatitis B Clinical Research Network, they can reach the clinic at (206) 341- 1452.